Noah's Ark of Wrestling: BWOTW Special: Your Guide to the Cruiserweight Classic

Come on in and have a brew, it's time for another 'BWOTW Special' this time, discussing and analysing the competitors of the upcoming Cruiserweight Classic. I figured some competitors are relatively unknown to a fair few, me included, and thought this might be pretty handy. I've included some lil' documentaries and added some matches at the end to help show off these competitors.

I'm gonna level with you, if I had a dime for every clue I had about some of these people, I'd have 0 dimes. So, I figure I can offer a better look at some more than others. I apologise for lack of information about some of the more obscure ones. So, I guess we should start.

The Dudes I Know

Zack Sabre Jr.

Age: 28

Pro Debut: 2004

Billed From: Isle of Sheppey, Kent, England

Associated Companies: RevPro, PROGRESS, Pro Wrestling Noah, PWG, wXw

Notable Accomplishments: Current PWG World Champion, PWG BOLA 2016 Winner, Current RevPro British Heavyweight Champion, wXw 16 Carat Gold Tournament Winner 2016, Wrestling Observer 'Bryan Danielson Award' (Best Technical Wrestler) 2014 & 2015 Winner.

Many consider Zack Sabre Jr. to be the best in the world, and rightfully so. Zack is a technical wizard, a master of so many holds and mesmerising to watch. As he locking and tying up his opponents you wonder what's going on, but when whatever hold he has chosen from his arsenal, you become fully aware of the pain Zack is inflicting and how awesome it is. Zack cold very well be the favourite to win this thing, in and out of kayfabe. I first saw Zack a couple years ago in a match between him and Prince Devitt (now Finn Balor) at PROGRESS Chapter 13, and since then I've seen him compete in PWG and I've caught the occasional match here and there. Right from the off I was super impressed, and since then my appreciation of him and my regard for him grows and grows. He has spearheaded the rejuvenation of British wrestling, and helping it develop still into the machine it is now and will be influential as to how it expands going forward. I can see WWE wanting to add Zack to their ranks, and this tournament would be an opportune time to negotiate contracts and showcase him to viewers.

Johnny Gargano

Age: 28

Pro Debut: 2005

Billed From: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Associated Companies: Dragon Gate USA/EVOLVE, Chikara, PWG, NXT, Smash Wrestling, AIW

Notable Accomplishments: Current Smash Wrestling Champion, Former EVOLVE Tag Team Champion (w/ Drew Galloway), Former 2x Chikara Tag Team Champion (Campeonatos de Parajes) (w/ Chuck Taylor), Fomer Open the United Gate Champion (EVOLVE/DG:USA Tag Team Champion) (w/ Rich Swann), Former 2x Open the Freedom Gate Champion

Johnny Gargano debuted in NXT back in 2015 in the build up to the Dusty Rhodes Memorial Tag Team Classic. He competed alongside indie star, Tommaso Ciampa, who we will cover later on. Over the years, Gargano has made a name for himself all over the American independent wrestling scene. A fan-favourite wherever he goes, 'Johnny Wrestling' is certainly one of the best indie wrestlers on the planet. Already established in the WWE Universe, I predict he will definitely be hanging around after the tournament. Pre-NXT, my previous Gargano-viewing took place in PWG as well as 'The Candice and Joey Show' on YouTube, with his recent EVOLVE matches coming later on. I'm a big fan of Gargano and I was super-excited when he appeared on NXT. I look forward to what Johnny has in store for us.

Tommaso Ciampa

Age: 31

Pro Debut: 2005

Billed From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Associated Companies: Ring of Honour, PWG, NXT

Notable Accomplishments: Former Ring Of Honour TV Champion

Ciampa debuted in NXT alongside Gargano. Before going to Florida, Ciampa was an established star in Ring of Honour, wrestling there for 4 years, and in that time, holding the ROH Television Championship for 111 days. As soon as I saw him on ROH TV he became one of my favourites in the company. Competing too in PWG made me appreciate him more, occasionally incorporating more comedic spots and even more insane spots. Tommaso focuses on hard knocks and stiff strikes to win matches, but is also well-versed technically. Definitely going to be a stand out in the tournament, having a very abrasive style that can mesh well with others's. Despite already affiliated with NXT, I feel like we haven't seen his best on NXT yet. He spent most of the time tagging with Gargano, only having a few televised singles matches, with not the greatest win ratio, similar to Gargano. I hope he really gets to shine in this and earns a solid place in the WWE.

Rich Swann

Age: 25

Pro Debut: 2008

Billed From: Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Associated Companies: Dragon Gate, EVOLVE, PWG, NXT, CZW

Notable Accomplishments: Fomer Open the United Gate Champion (EVOLVE/DG:USA Tag Team Champion) (w/ Johnny Gargano), Former Open the Owarai Gate Champion

All night long! It's Rich Swann! Having already made 2 NXT TV appearances against Baron Corbin and then champion Finn Balor and wrestling on numerous NXT house shows, Rich Swann has had some exposure to the WWE Universe. Charismatic and entertaining, Swann was a favourite amongst indie wrestling fans before his developmental deal. Certainly one of the more flippy participants in the tournament, a former partner of Ricochet, I expect Rich will take this opportunity to wow everyone watching with acrobatics, shucking and jiving. I'll be surprised if Swann doesn't win over a large proportion of the viewing audience in his efforts.

Akira Tozawa

Age: 30

Pro Debut: 2005

Billed From: Kobe, Japan

Associated Companies: Dragon Gate, PWG, Chikara

Notable Accomplishments: Former Open the Brave Gate Champion, Former Open the Owarai Gate Champion, Current Open the Triangle Gate Champion (w/ Masato Yoshino & T-Hawk)

The only stuff of Tozawa I've seen of Tozawa is his latest work in PWG against Zack Sabre Jr and Ricochet, which was pretty damn good. Tozawa first came to the States to wrestle in his 2010 excursion. In Japanese wrestling, it is pretty common for companies to send some of their younger talent across the globe to experience different wrestling styles. It was in this time that his Stateside popularity grew. Whilst still occasionally appearing in the US indies, he spends most of his time in Dragon Gate in Japan. From what I've seen, I feel Tozawa has a perfect style to fit with whoever he is pitted against, proficient in grabbling, striking and a quicker tempo, and I'm sure his matches will be super cool.

Drew Gulak

Age: 29

Pro Debut: 2005

Billed From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Associated Companies: CZW, PWG, EVOLVE/Dragon Gate: USA, Chikara, wXw

Notable Accomplishments: Current EVOLVE Tag Team Champion (w/ Tracy Williams), Fifth CZW Triple Crown Winner (Former CZW World Heavyweight, TV & 2x Tag Champion (w/ Andy Sumner))

Drew Gulak is often described as a 'no nonsense' wrestler, his offence consisting of strikes, throws and submissions, all with the purpose to win, little room for showboating or unnecessary moves. A real old-school wrestler, reflected by both his in-ring style and his appearance, opting to don a pair of trunks and boots; no knee or elbow pads, nor wrist tape. To me, this appearance comes across as having lesser protection, which only goes to make this man appear even tougher. Gulak is one rough bastard in those ropes, and I'd bet good money on the fact that the Full Sail crowd and all those watching will it eat it up. One of the more heralded amongst the American indies, Gulak has quickly become a favourite on the scene. Also, Gulak is quite a grunty wrestler, and those just make him portray the sense of anger and abrasive attitude further.

Noam Dar

Age: 22

Pro Debut: 2008

Billed From: Glasgow, Scotland/"From a Champagne Supernova, in a Galaxy Far Far Away..."

Associated Companies: Insane Championship Wrestling, PROGRESS, Preston City Wrestling, TNA

Notable Accomplishments: Former 2x ICW Zero-G Champion, PROGRESS 2014 World Cup Tournament Winner (Representing Israel), Former PCW Cruiserweight Champion

One of Britain's most promising and rising stars. With reports saying that he is scheduled to appear at the Performance Center's class in September, Dar looks to be sticking around WWE after this tournament if everything goes well, which I have no doubt it will. Being skilled in both high-flying and at the British technical game, Dar is primed to have some great matches with those he is pitted against. Plus, his name is only one letter removed form 'Noah', so he's bound to be awesome.

TJ Perkins

Age: 31

Pro Debut: 1999

Billed From: Los Angeles, California, USA

Associated Companies: PWG, NJPW, Ring of Honour, TNA (as Puma and Manik), EVOLVE

Notable Accomplishments: Former TNA X-Division Champion

I, unaware that he was Manik (and Suicide for a time) in TNA, have watch TJP for a while, and I like the guy. I've enjoyed his work in EVOLVE more than in TNA, I don't know if they limited his moveset or whatever, but he seems to be wrestling a quickened pace. Also one of the more experienced members of the tournament, so I assume he will be looking to impress. A fellow member of Catch Point alongside Drew Gulak, it'd be cool to see those two go at it, with a potential feud stemming from it after.

Kota Ibushi

Age: 34

Pro Debut: 2004

Billed From: Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan

Associated Companies: New Japan, DDT, ROH

Notable Accomplishments: Former 3x IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion (w/ Kenny Omega), Best of the Super Juniors 2011 Winner, New Japan Cup 2015 Winner, like a shit-tonne of titles in DDT
This man made an appearance at a past NXT TakeOver: Dallas, so its not much of a surprise that he has come to the WWE in some form. I first saw Ibushi in a 5* match against current NXT star, Shinsuke Nakamura, at Wrestle Kingdom 9. This man is an amazing talent, high-flying and hard-hitting. Kota has been heavily featured on wwe.com for this, so I expect he will go far, and possibly even win the whole thing.

Tajiri

Age: 45

Pro Debut: 1994

Billed From: Tokyo, Japan

Associated Companies: ECW, WWE, Wrestle-1, New Japan, All Japan

Notable Accomplishments: Former ECW Television Champion, Former ECW Tag Team Champion (w/ Mikey Whipwreck), Former WWE US Champion, Former 3x WWE Cruiserweight Champion, Former WWE Light Heavyweight Champion, Former 2x WWE Tag Team Champion (1x w/ Eddie Guerrero, 1x w/ William Regal)

Holy fucking shit! Its Tajiri! The Japanese Buzzsaw was a prominent figure back in ECW and moving onto WWE after it closing, he held various titles (as listed above). He has been wrestling primarily in his native Japan in recent years, and I hope he's just as good as I remember. For those unfamiliar, Tajiri is a heavy striker, finishing many a match with a buzzsaw kick - just imagine standing still, then after a quick motion you are now unconscious on the floor.

Brian Kendrick

Age: 37

Pro Debut: 1999

Billed From: Venice, California, USA

Associated Companies: WWE, ROH, TNA, New Japan, Dragon Gate: USA

Notable Accomplishments: Former 2x WWE Tag Team Champion (w/ Paul London), Former TNA X-Divison Champion

It's the man with the plan! Kendrick appeared a little while on NXT in a match against Finn Balor, for some reason. Having trained Eva Marie they probably felt some TV time would help to pay him back for his troubles. Anywho, Kendrick's back! But, he doesn't have Ezekiel Jackson by his side any more (but by God I would love it if he did). Being in WWE's earlier iteration of the Cruiserweights, Kendrick certainly has the experience edge against a lot of his fellow competitors, so it'll be interesting to see how he progresses.

Cedric Alexander

Age: 27

Pro Debut: 2009

Billed From: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

Associated Companies: ROH, EVOLVE, PCW (Preston City Wrestling), NWA

Cedric Alexander had been a stable member of the ROH roster for the past few years, wrestling both in a tag team and in a singles competition. I've loved Cedric's work since I expanded my wrestling viewing expanse a couple years ago. I was really enjoying his last run with Veda Scott as his manager. He's certainly a quick guy, and I'm sure he'll get a big reception from the Full Sail crowd. I'm really looking forward to seeing Alexander in this, and I hope he goes really far.

Plus, here's a vine depicting how goddamn brutal his finisher is.

Tony Nese

Age: 30

Pro Debut: 2005

Billed From: Strong Island, New York, USA

Associated Companies: TNA, Dragon Gate: USA, EVOLVE

Notable Accomplishments: Former Open the United Gate Champion (DG:USA/EVOLVE Tag Team Champion) (w/ Caleb Konley & Trent Barreta - Freebird Rule)

Tony Nese is probably the biggest guy in this tournament, but that doesn't mean he can't flip. Because he fucking can. Utilising both a power game and his agility, Nese is certainly one of the more unique cruiserweights in his fighting style. Freshly turning face in EVOLVE, I look forward to see what he does after this as well. The big lummox is growing on me, especially now he has longer hair and a bigger beard, before he grew them out he look like Buff Bagwell's brother.

The Dudes I Sorta Know

Tyson Dux

Age: 37

Pro Debut: 1997

Billed From: Lyttleton, New Brunswick, Canada

Associated Companies: SMASH Wrestling, AIW,

Notable Accomplishments: Current (+1x former) AIW Tag Team Champion (w/ Tracy Williams)

So, I know Dux from like, 2 episodes of ROH TV. There was one that was a throwback to a match with him and Michael Elgin, and I'm not entirely sure if there was a second actually. From the few details I remember, Dux is a more technical guy. That's about all I know. Sorry guys.

Next!

Lince Dorado

Age: 29

Pro Debut: 2007

Billed From: Chihuahua, Juarez, Mexico

Associated Companies: Chikara, Dragon Gate: USA

Notable Accomplishments: 2008 Chikara King of Trios Winner (w/ El Pantera & Incognito), Chikara La Loteria Letal Winner (w/ Jimmy Olsen)

Here's another I don't know too much about (this will become a continuing theme as we progress). I saw Dorado at EVOLVE 63, in the 5-Man Cruiserweight Classic Elimination match (inc. Gargano, Gulak, Perkins & Nese). He was real good in that, so I'm excited to see what he has in store for one-on-one competition. With him being a Chikara star, expect a zany character from this one, and from what I've seen, expect a very feline one. Also, I assumed you pronounce 'Lince' like 'Vince', but the commentators at EVOLVE said it like 'Lin-say'. I don't know what's real anymore.

Gran Metalik

Age: 27

Pro Debut: 2005

Billed From: Guadalajara, Mexico

Also Known As: Mascara Dorada

Associated Companies: CMLL, New Japan

Notable Accomplishments: Former CMLL World Super Lightweight Champion, Former 4x CMLL World Welterweight Championship, Former 2x CMLL World Trios Championship (1x w/ La Sombra & La Mascara, 1x w/ Mistico & Valiente)

I'd heard the name 'Mascara Dorada' quite a bit before looking this man up for this, and from what I've seen of him I understand the praise he's gotten. A truly wonderful and amazing luchador all round. I am really looking forward to seeing this guy weave some high-flying magic into this tournament. Not too sure about this name change though, he has wrestled as 'Metalik' before, but 'Mascara Dorada' is fun to say.

The Dudes I Don't Really Know Much About

Right, I'm not gonna make some stuff up in an attempt to sound smart, I'll just tell you what I think purely from the bare minimum information I have.

Da Mack

Age: 29

Pro Debut: 2008

Billed From: Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany

Associated Companies: wXw

Notable Accomplishments: Former wXw Shotgun Champion, Former wXw Tag Team Champion (w/ Axel Dieter Jr.)

Initial Impression: He's got some cool gear, not seen tassels on shorts before.

Zumbi

Age: 31

Pro Debut: It's a mystery!

Billed From: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Associated Companies: AAA, BWF (Brazilian Wrestling Federation), various South American companies

Notable Accomplishments: Former BWF Rei Do Ringue Champion

Initial Impressions: So, he's a frog sorta guy. Or he's really into Zumba. One of the two.

Clement Petiot

Age: 30

Pro Debut: 2009

Also Known As: Tristan Archer

Billed From: Amiens, France

Associated Companies: ICWA, NWA, various European companies

Notable Accomplishments: Current ICWA Heavyweight Champion, Former ICWA France Heavyweight Champion

Initial Impressions: Arguably the most handsome participant in the tournament, plus you know how romantic the French can be.

Fabian Aichner

Age: My research monkeys (me) couldn't find out

Pro Debut: 2011

Also Known As: Adrian Severe

Billed From: Sudtirol, Italy

Associated Companies: New European Championship Wrestling

Notable Accomplishments: Former 2x NECW Heavyweight Champion, Former NECW Hardcore Champion

Initial Impressions: Rivalling Tony Nese for biggest cruiserweight, this guy looks a fucking badass. Plus, if you wrestled with 'Severe' as your name, you must be at least 65% bad motherfucker.

Harv & Gurv Sihra

Age: 31 (Gurv) & 28 (Harv)

Pro Debut: 2004 (Gurv) & 2006 (Harv)

Billed From: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Associated Companies: Global Force Wrestling, Ring Ka King

Notable Accomplishments: Current GFW Tag Team Champions, Former RKK Tag Team Champions

Initial Impressions: Yes, these guys are your current GFW Tag Champs. What the hell is going on with GFW anymore? I doubt we'll hear any mention of it seeing as Jarrett's pretty much blacklisted. Also, the one on the right looks much cooler than his brother.

NOTE: These guys are wrestling individually, they ain't doubling up on opponents.

Anthony Bennett

This guy is a goddamn enigma, I couldn't find fucking anything about this guy. WHO IS THIS MAN!?

Age: WHO IS THIS MAN?

Pro Debut: WHO IS THIS MAN?

Billed From: Westville, New Jersey, USA (only found that out from wwe.com)

Associated Companies: WHO IS THIS MAN?

Notable Accomplishments: WHO IS THIS MAN?

Initial Impressions: That goddamn flat top! You have no idea how much I laughed when I saw his picture.

Jack Gallagher

Age: 26

Pro Debut: 2006

Billed From: Manchester, England

Associated Companies: PROGRESS

Initial Impressions: Good lord talk about being yolked! As a Brit, I automatically have some favouring for Jack, looking forward to seeing him go full gentleman on someone's ass.

Ho Ho Lun

Age: 28

Pro Debut: 2009

Billed From: Hong Kong

Associated Companies: Founder of Hong Kong Pro Wrestling Federation, various promotions across Asia and Europe

Initial Impressions: This guy looks fun. I'm sure Full Sail can make some cool chants with a name like Ho Ho Lun.

Sean Maluta

Age: 27

Pro Debut: 2004

Billed From: Staten Island, New York, USA

Associated Companies: World Xtreme Wrestling (not wXw, this is in America)

Notable Accomplishments: Former 3x WXW Cruiserweight Champion, Former 2x WXW Heavyweight Champion

Initial Impressions: Not a lot, really. Turns out that WXW title he held was also once held by Bam Bam Bigelow, that's kinda cool.

Raul Mendoza

Age: 24

Pro Debut: 2006

Also Known As: Jinzo

Billed From: Cordoba, Mexico

Associated Companies: Pro Wrestling NOAH, various South American companies

Initial Impressions: Well, he has The One Ring around his neck, and having wrestled as 'Jinzo', I hope his offence is all Yu-Gi-Oh! based

Kenneth Johnson

Age: Not a clue mate

Pro Debut: 2005

Also Known As: Weezy Woo

Billed From: San Antonio, Texas, USA

Associated Companies: Not a clue mate

Initial Impressions: Hold the phone! Sorry Clement Petiot, we have a new Most Handsome!

Alejandro Saez

Age: 29

Pro Debut: 2002

Also Known As: Xtra Large

Billed From: Pudahuel, Chile

Associated Companies: Pro Wrestling NOAH, Xplosion Nacional de Lucha Libre

Notable Accomplishments: Current (+ another 2x) XNL World Champion

Initial Impressions: You have no idea how hard it is to find anything out about a guy called 'Xtra Large', all my Googling of 'Xtra Large wrestling' kept coming up with King Kong Bundy

Damian Slater

Age: 29

Pro Debut: 2003

Billed From: Adelaide, Australia

Associated Companies: NWA, various Australian companies

Jason Lee

Age: 23

Pro Debut: 2009

Billed From: Hong Kong

Associated Companies: Pro Wrestling ZERO1

Notable Accomplishments: Former 2x ZERO1 International Junior Heavyweight Champion

Initial Impressions: No, it's not the guy from 'My Name is Earl'. Bit of a shame. I guess Hong Kong just got 2003 indy wrestler gear.

Ariya Daivari

Age: 27

Pro Debut: 2006

Billed From: Plymouth, Minnesota, USA

Associated Companies: DREAMWAVE, Ring Ka King, NWA, Global Force Wrestling

Initial Impressions: Finally we've got some body hair in this tournament! Also, this guy's the brother of WWE Alumni 'Daivari', who I assume also has a first name. Hopefully he has a better run than him.

Matches

Zack Sabre Jr. vs Prince Devitt (Finn Balor) - PROGRESS Chapter 13 (19 mins)